Attitudes and food habits--a review.

The inadequacy of a definition of attitudinal terms has complicated the interpretation of many food habit studies. This review has focused on the multidimensional character of the word "attitude" as an aid to gaining insight into food habit development and change. The five definitional categories presented (attitudes as preferences, as overt food behavior, as willingness or ability to change, as agreement among family members, and as complexity of meanings) do not preclude other definitions. Knowledge of attitude studies can foster understanding of the link between nutritional knowledge and actual behavior, as well as help practitioners to be more effective in formulating objectives and developing techniques for nutrition education. The various dimensions and meanings of attitudes indicate the need for continued research to clarify the effect of well defined attitude variables on food habits.